I love the Airport MRT, I have used it almost a dozen times now and it’s definitely up there with the best airport rail connections in the world. Convenient, comfortable, a ride with nice views, and easy to get a seat. And it’s cheap, maybe not by Taipei MRT standards, but certainly compared to what equivalent airport rail transfers cost around the world.

The one downside is the distance from the MRT platforms at Taipei Main Station, as others have pointed out. Beimen is closer (or at least easier to get to). They do have signage which points to Beimen, but it might not be immediately obvious to tourists that it’s easier to transfer at Beimen, so this could be improved.

Lastly, it’s worth pointing out that the Gate of Taipei twin towers or a similar mega project will eventually be built right on top of the Airport MRT Taipei Main Station. This will add a lot more traffic to the area (which currently seems kind of empty and has a lot of space for retail expansion). Also, it will bring a huge new landmark to an existing transport hub… basically an urbanist’s wet dream.

I do hope the Circle Line Phase 1 opens on time this year, and that we see good progress on the Wanda Line, Ankeng Line, and Danhai LRT.

Other things to watch for… possible approval of the Minsheng Xizhi line, Circle Line Phase 2, or submission of feasibility study for the recently revised “Eastern Taipei North-South Rail Link” (that’s a mouthful).

Those complaining about the transferring time at Taipei MRT should try Paris. You’d have to walk like 15 - 20 minutes for a simple connection between two metro lines at Chatelet-Les Halles, and the path is just unpleasant to say the least.

Those complaining about the transferring time at Taipei MRT should try Paris. You’d have to walk like 15 - 20 minutes for a simple connection between two metro lines at Chatelet-Les Halles, and the path is just unpleasant to say the least.

I’ll also add the transfer from Airport Line at Hong Kong Station to Central. As well as Tsim Sha Tsui to East Tsim Sha Tsui. At least the escalators move at lightning speeds over in HK.